Martin’s Cove: One of the Lord’s sacred places

For a more lighthearted experience as one tours Oregon Trail Country, visit
South Pass City, Wyoming. Its welcome sign gives a hint of the experience
awaiting: "Population 3 people, 6 dogs, and an innumerable number of
cats." (I may have the numbers a bit off, but you get the point). Though
South Pass was a significant point on the Oregon and Mormon trails, the city
itself had its prime time later, during some of the mining days in the latter
3rd of the 19th Century. It's a fascinating piece of Western American
history! One of the 'residents', (day-time only) provided a very
entertaining and personal account of South Pass City's history (we were the
only visitors in town during our mid-morning visit.) Highly recommended!

G L W8SPRINGVILLE, UT

May 13, 2014 9:02 p.m.

Venitar, I think I understand a bit of what you're saying. That's one
of the reasons I posted extensively on the “Tips for Families on the LDS
Trail” article. But I can verify from personal experience that
there’s something special about the Handcart Reenactments. I’ve had
deep spiritual experience at Martin’s Cove, Rock Creek Hollow, and as a
participant in the Mormon Handcart Pageant that used to be held in Nephi, Utah.
I’ve had firsthand the experience of hiking the environs of the Cove and
Rocky Ridge with my grandchildren. As I’ve done so, I’ve been aware
not only of the handcart companies, but of the fact I was treading in the
footsteps of all my pioneer ancestry that came at various times in different
companies, all of which experienced the things you mention in your post. The
Trek experience can only broaden that kind of awareness for our youth—in a
firsthand fashion.

venitarProvo, UT

May 13, 2014 10:45 a.m.

May I please whine for a moment? I'm tired of the focus on the Martin
Handcart Company. With all the 'press' it gets, you would think it
was typical for Utah pioneers. It's not! It's the example of the
worst that could happen while crossing the plains. How about shining more light
on the ordinary crossing? Every group experienced tragedy and miracles. Bring
us some shining stories from some of the many others, please. For example, how
about the group who traveled from Boston to Salt Lake in 1861, just when the
Civil War was starting? How about the first group that came from Scandinavia,
etc., etc?

Now, please pass the cheese. Thank you.

CA GrannyPETALUMA, CA

May 13, 2014 8:55 a.m.

My husband and I only spent a few hours at Martin's Cove in late spring
before the kids came for treks, but we were awed by the lines of handcarts
waiting for folks to come push them. We had a private time in the actual Cove
with one of the adult missionaries who gave us the talking points used with
tourists and trekies and it was very moving. I was especially moved when I
asked where they were able to bury their dead since many died during the short
time they were actually in the cove until help came. His explanation that they
had no choice but to put them net to the small sand hill with little or no
covering brought tears to my eyes. This is definitely a very sacred place.